MASS SHOOTING AT SIKH TEMPLE IN WISCONSIN: At Least 7 Dead Including Shooter

Law enforcement officials say that six victims have been
killed at a shooting at a Sikh temple in Oak Creek Wisconsin,
according to local station WTMJ. The temple is located in
Southeast Wisconsin, near Milwaukee.

Oak Creek police chief John Edwards has confirmed that there are
seven deceased and three injured. The suspected shooter is dead,
and one of the injured is a police officer. There is no suspect
in custody.

The injured officer, a 20-year veteran, had been "ambushed," and
a second officer was the one who opened fire and killed the
shooter, after he was fired upon too, according to Edwards.

Froedtert Hospital's chief medical officer Dr. Lee Biblo says
that the three injured individuals are all adult males, and they
are all in critical condition. One has gunshot wounds to the
chest and abdomen, the second has gunshot wounds to his face and
extremities, and the third has gunshot wounds to his neck.

Two of them have undergone surgery, while one is currently
undergoing what was described as a "complex procedure."
The hospital is a level-one trauma center, so it's fully
equipped and prepared to deal with a situation like this.

The hospital has
called this a "mass casualty" incident. A report on WTMJ
says that there were "at least a dozen or more ambulances on
scene" after the shooting.

According to the local news, the incident happened just before
11:00 AM local time (12:00 PM ET), amid Sunday morning services.

The shooter, who has been
described by an ATF spokesperson as a "white male
roughly 40 years of age," allegedly shot the priest
at the temple before going inside to continue the shooting inside
the temple.

NBC reports that the gunman had "no obvious connection" to
white supremacist groups and was not on any list of suspected
terrorists. He had an arrest record, but only for minor offenses.

ABC News, however, reports that its sources have said that
the shooting was the work of a white supremacist or "skinhead,"
even though police haven't made any confirmation. Eyewitnesses
tell Reuters that he was "either shave-headed or bald."

No other shooters have been identified thus far.

Two semi-automatic handguns were found on the scene,
according to a CNN report. One is believed to be the gunman's
weapon, and the other is believed to belong to the injured police
officer. NBC's
Pete Williams reports that the shooter was dressed in
tactical gear and armed with a single handgun.

An
official tells NBC that police have a tentative ID on the
shooter. The gunman's name and the location of his home have not
been released, but WISN
12 News reports that the FBI is on the scene of a home in
nearby Cudahy, where they are executing
a search warrant. A bomb squad is reportedly at the home as
well, and the neighborhood is being evacuated.

The FBI and ATF are both involved. Tactical officers are
standing down and hydrating. Oak Creek officers have secured the
perimeter as evidence is collected, and they're still
methodically searching the area with dogs and guns drawn.

The temple is an active crime scene, and the bodies have not yet
been removed.

The FBI will be taking over and overseeing the criminal
investigation, according to Greenfield police chief Brad
Wentlandt.

Originally there were several reports based on witnesses on the
scene that there were multiple shooters as well as hostages being
held. However at the moment, law enforcement officials say there
is no evidence of multiple shooters.

Someone who sent a text message to a Journal Sentinel reporter
shortly before noon said that there were two shooters with
children possibly as hostages.

And the head priest was locked inside a restroom with a cell
phone and that there were as many as 20 to 30 victims.

Beyond this, details remain hazy. One
witness says that two children saw the gunman shoot two
people outside the temple before scurrying inside to warn
everyone else.

A point that's being made by Sikhs who have been interviewed by
various media is that for the last decade, since 9/11, Sikhs have
been the subject of more harassment, due to the fact that they
wear turbans, and many mistake them for Muslims. There have been
more than 700 incidents involving Sikhs in the U.S. since 9/11,
according to the Sikh Coalition. There's no indication
of what the motive is here.

"While the situation in Oak Creek continues to develop rapidly,
we are working with the FBI and local law enforcement. I became
aware of the situation late this morning and continue to receive
updated briefings.

Our hearts go out to the victims and their families, as we all
struggle to comprehend the evil that begets this terrible
violence.

At the same time, we are filled with gratitude for our first
responders, who show bravery and selflessness as they put aside
their own safety to protect our neighbors and friends.

Tonette and I ask everyone to join us in praying for the victims
and their families, praying for the safety of our law enforcement
and first responder professionals and praying for strength and
healing for this entire community and our state."

"The World Sikh Council - America Region (WSC-AR) is
shocked and deeply saddened by the senseless shooting which
occurred earlier today at the Sikh Gurdwara of Wisconsin in Oak
Creek near Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It has been reported that a
suspect opened fire on a weekly congregation of the Sikhs while a
reading of the Sikh scripture was in progress. Current reports
say that there are 7 deaths, including an assailant, and many
injured. One brave police officer was also one of those
injured.

WSC-AR offers its condolences and support to the victims, their
families, the law enforcement agencies (especially the police
officer shot in the line of duty) and the surrounding community.
This is a troubling day, not only for Sikh-Americans, but also
for all Americans.

In the coming days, along with Sikh advocacy organizations, we
will be working with public officials, and law enforcement
authorities, to understand the events of today and to help the
community in whatever way we can. The Council will also be
providing support mediums for our interreligious partners and the
public as we sort out this situation. This shooting comes on the
heels of another tragedy, as our country continues to recover
from the senseless shootings in Aurora, Colorado.

We urge all to pray for the victims, their families and
friends, and the surrounding community. We also express our
gratitude towards the law enforcement authorities for their
prompt and effective response to the situation as it unfolded. We
offer our appreciation for the bravery of the police officer
shot, offer condolences, and pray that he will recover fully
soon. As we learn more about the situation, we will keep the
public updated and informed. We thank you for your patience and
prayers during these difficult times."

In New York City, where there is a rapidly growing Sikh
community, police are taking no chances. From NYPD deputy
commissioner Paul J. Browne:

“The NYPD is increasing coverage in and around Sikh temples in
New York City today, including the deployment of Critical
Response Vehicles, as a precaution in the wake of the Wisconsin
shooting. There is no known threat against Sikh temples in New
York City, however, the coverage is being put in place out of an
abundance of caution.”